Chapter Seven

CHAPTER SEVEN

STASSI

As we walk out of the office toward a door indicating it is the garage, I can't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness. John-Paul leads the way with an easy gait, occasionally pointing out various racing memorabilia on the walls.

The next room is bright and cheerful, a stark contrast to the mechanics and oil of the garage. A young woman with bright eyes and a welcoming smile greets us as we enter. Beside her, in a colorful baby bouncer, sits a tiny baby with tufts of red hair.

"This is Kaylee," John-Paul introduces, gesturing towards the woman. "And that little bundle of joy is Avalynn." Avalynn’s eyes move to her daddy, big and full of wonder. “This is Renee,” he points to the other woman who is talking to one of the mechanics about when the car he’s working on will be done. “She runs the garage so I can focus on my work. If you can’t reach my mom or myself, Renee is the person.”

“Hello Kaylee, Renee. I’m Stassi, the prospective nanny for this little sweetheart.” I extend my hand out to Kaylee.

Kaylee smiles warmly at me and shakes my hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Stassi. Avalynn has just finished her nap, so you've got good timing."

As I step closer, I notice how Avalynn’s eyes follow me curiously. There's something about the way she observes her surroundings—intently and with such focus—that makes me smile.

"Hi, Avalynn," I say gently, my voice softening as I reach out a finger towards her. She grasps it firmly, a gurgling sound escaping her lips that fills the room with a light-hearted energy.

"Seems like she likes you already," John-Paul comments, a smile breaking across his face as he watches the exchange.

I laugh lightly, feeling a connection with Avalynn already. "She’s adorable," I respond, still holding onto her tiny hand.

Kaylee nods in agreement. "She’s quite the charmer. Takes after her dad in that respect," she adds with a playful glance at Frenchie.

John-Paul rolls his eyes but his smile says he's pleased with the comparison. "So, Stassi, think you can handle this little racer?" he asks, his tone teasing but underlined with a hopeful note.

I meet his gaze, sensing the seriousness beneath his casual demeanor. "I think Avalynn and I are going to get along just fine," I reply confidently, giving his daughter's hand a gentle squeeze.

Frenchie nods, I can see the relief in his face. "That's great to hear. Honestly, I'm new to all this dad stuff, and knowing she’ll be in good hands makes it all a bit less daunting."

"We'll figure it out together," I assure him, my tone as much for me as it is for him. It's clear that both of us are stepping into uncertain roles, yet there’s comfort in knowing we aren't doing it alone.

Kaylee chimes in, "She's already got a great support system here. And John-Paul might not have baby experience, but he's got a giant heart—right place and all."

I nod appreciatively at Kaylee’s words. Looking around the room, from the playful decorations on the walls to the neat stack of storybooks and toys in the corner, I feel a warm sense of belonging. This wasn't just any job to me—it felt like something more significant, a chance to not only nurture a child but also to contribute to a newfound family navigating an unexpected journey together.

"Thank you for giving me a shot at this," I say, my eyes softening as I speak to both Paula and John-Paul. "I’m looking forward to it."

Paula returns an expression of gratitude. “We’re glad to have you on board, Stassi. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask.”

As we sit in the room with Avalynn, now cradled softly in my arms, John-Paul leans in slightly, his voice dropping to a sincere whisper. "Really though, Stassi, thank you. It means a lot to have someone as caring as you are around her."

His gratitude washes over me like a warm wave. "It's my pleasure," I reply

"Looks like you're stuck with us now," John-Paul jokes.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," I say with a laugh, feeling the weight of his words settle comfortably in my heart.

As John-Paul escorts me out of the office toward the bay where they fix the car. I need to study my garage lingo to understand what they are talking about. John-Paul catches me looking and grins.

"Don't mind them," he says. "They're just nosy. But they're family too."

I smile and nod, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about joining this tight-knit group. As we pass by a sleek red sports car, one of the mechanics calls out.

"Hey John-Paul, who's the new lady? She doesn't look like she knows a carburetor from a catalytic converter."

John-Paul chuckles. "This is Stassi, guys. She's Avalynn's new nanny."

The mechanic's eyes widen. "Oh, the nanny! Thank goodness. Maybe now Frenchie will stop trying to change diapers with duct tape."

John-Paul's face flushes red as I stifle a laugh. "That was one time, Crash!" he protests. "And it held, didn't it?"

I raise an eyebrow at John-Paul. "Duct tape? Really?"

He shrugs, a sheepish grin on his face. "Hey, I'm learning on the job here."

I shake my head, amused. "Well, no more MacGyver solutions for diaper changes. We'll get you properly trained."

John-Paul laughs, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm looking forward to it. Though I gotta say, my improvisation skills are pretty impressive."

"Save those for the cars, big guy," I tease, surprising myself with how quickly I've fallen into an easy banter with him.

As we walk back towards the office, I can't help but feel a sense of belonging already settling in. The camaraderie between John-Paul and his crew is infectious, and I find myself looking forward to becoming a part of this unconventional family.

"So, when can you start?" John-Paul asks, his voice a mix of hope and nervousness.

I smile. "How about tomorrow? I just need to grab my things and let my family know."

John-Paul's face lights up. "Really? That'd be great. I mean, if you're sure."

I nod, feeling more sure by the minute. "Absolutely. I'll head home now and pack up. I can be back first thing in the morning. If you need me before then let me know."

Frenchie's face lights up with relief. "That's fantastic, Stassi. I can't tell you how much this means to me."

I smile back, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "I'm happy to help. And I'm looking forward to getting to know Avalynn better."

As we walk back towards the office, John-Paul clears his throat. "So, uh, is there anything you need for the apartment? I want to make sure you're comfortable."

"I think I'll be fine, but I’ll know more tomorrow when I get unpacked and settled." I assure him. "But thank you for asking."

Paula emerges from the office, a warm smile on her face. "So, is everything settled?"

"Yes," I reply, returning her smile. "I'll be starting tomorrow morning."

Paula clasps her hands together. "Wonderful! We're so glad to have you, Stassi. I have a feeling you're going to fit right in here."

I feel a warmth spread through me at Paula's words. "Thank you, I'm excited to be part of this."

John-Paul walks me out to the parking lot, his large frame casting a shadow in the fading daylight.

"Thanks again for doing this, Stassi," he says softly. "I know I’m going to be a lot to take on."

I smile up at him. "It's my pleasure. Avalynn is adorable, and I can already tell how much you care about her."

He rubs the back of his neck, looking a bit sheepish. "I'm trying. It's all pretty new, you know? But I want to do right by her."

"You will," I assure him, touched by his sincerity. "And I'll be here to help every step of the way."

John-Paul's eyes meet mine, a mix of gratitude and something else I can't quite place shining in them. "I appreciate that more than you know."

We stand there for a moment, the air between us charged with an unexpected energy. I clear my throat, breaking the spell.

"Well, I should get going. Lots to pack," I say, pulling out my bus pass.

John-Paul nods, taking a step back. "I will see you tomorrow then. Oh let me message you the address to my apartment.”

I nod, smiling. "Sounds great and I will see you bright and early."

As I turn to walk down the street to the bus stop Frenchie jogs to catch up to me. "Why are you walking? Where’s your car?”

“I don’t have one. I take the bus everywhere.” I smile up at him since he towers over me.

“How will you get your stuff here tomorrow?” John-Paul’s facial expression is mad. His eye is almost twitching.

“I was going to ask my mom or stepdad to bring my stuff over. If not, the bus.” I smile at him.

“Let me know when you’re ready and I’ll come get you. I have a truck. We can load things in the back if you want to bring a dresser, desk. There’s a twin size bed there. Once your stuff is in there, you can do whatever you want. The main apartment too. I just ask you leave the racing memorabilia hanging up.” I'm not sure what to say. “Text me when you get home so I know you made it."

His concern catches me off guard, but it's endearing. "I will," I promise.

The bus is full at this time of day, as it’s shift changes for a lot of the local plants in the area, so there are no seats available. I stand in the middle holding onto the rail, watching John-Paul fade from sight.

ME:

I made it home safely. I’ll see you at eight. Here’s my address.

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